No Mood for This World

At the foot of the mountain, the two climbed into the Ferrari. After asking for Leng Yueling's address, Su Ming activated the navigation system. The car glided smoothly along the road, but neither of them spoke. Su Ming assumed Leng Yueling was tired from their earlier activities and didn't press her to talk. However, just then, Leng Yueling suddenly said, "Su Ming, thank you. Meeting you before I leave this world… it's the greatest blessing of my life."

"Huh?"

Su Ming furrowed his brow. Why did her words sound so strange? Before he could inquire further, Leng Yueling leaned over unexpectedly and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. She quickly retreated back to her seat, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Su Ming," she murmured shyly, "don't mind that, okay? I've never kissed anyone before. It felt… wonderful." Her voice trailed off softly.

"Heh… Don't worry about it," Su Ming chuckled lightly. "If you want, you can do it again!"

"You're impossible!" Leng Yueling's cheeks turned crimson as she avoided meeting his gaze. Su Ming fell silent once more, focusing on driving. He failed to notice that Leng Yueling had stolen a glance at him, her eyes brimming with unspoken emotions. Finally, she whispered, "Su Ming, there's something I need to tell you. I have cancer. It's terminal. I don't have much time left."

Su Ming froze. Only now did he realize what he'd been missing. The fifth item on her bucket list—to scatter her ashes in the sea—was something only someone nearing death would prioritize. That's why the system had chosen him to help fulfill Leng Yueling's final wishes. But how could anyone complete such a task within a short span of time unless they knew the truth?

Cancer. The mere word sent chills down his spine. While treatable in its early stages, by the time it reached advanced stages, it was almost always fatal.

Still silent, Su Ming listened as Leng Yueling continued, "I'm an orphan. Most of my days are spent in hospitals. If it weren't for the government covering my medical expenses, I wouldn't even be alive today. Despite everything, I feel blessed. Before I go, I got to meet you—and Liu Xing. When you return to Jiangzhou, please say goodbye to Liu Xing for me, alright?"

Su Ming's heart clenched painfully. He nodded gently, his voice soft yet firm. "Alright. I promise."

The air inside the car grew heavy with silence until they finally arrived at their destination. As the engine idled, Leng Yueling hesitated before asking, "Su Ming, can I… hug you?"

"Of course," Su Ming replied without hesitation.

In the confines of the car, Leng Yueling wrapped her arms around him, tears streaming silently down her face. Each droplet soaked into his shirt, leaving faint traces behind. For a long moment, she held on tightly, unwilling to let go. Eventually, she released him, opened the car door, and stepped out, forcing a smile onto her face.

"Goodbye, Su Ming! I'll call you tomorrow, and we'll hang out again!" she called out cheerfully.

"I'll be waiting!" Su Ming waved his phone in response.

As Leng Yueling closed the car door and walked away, Su Ming sighed deeply. His chest felt weighed down by conflicting emotions. Life was full of disappointments, and no matter how hard one tried, not every wish could be fulfilled. Though he wanted desperately to help her, he knew there were limits to what he could do.

After a while, Su Ming restarted the car and headed toward the Royal Dynasty Hotel. Navigating through the bustling streets, he soon arrived at the luxurious venue. Stepping out of the vehicle, he strode purposefully toward the entrance. Tonight, however, his mood was somber. He planned to make a brief appearance before leaving.

Inside the hotel, guests were hastily departing. The reason was simple: the entire establishment had been reserved exclusively for the Chen family—one of Modu's most prestigious clans.

Standing at the entrance, Luo Ao politely apologized to those who were leaving. Suddenly, his eyes landed on Su Ming, and he froze in disbelief.

"Well, well. What brings you here?" Luo Ao sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.

Su Ming looked up, surprised to see Luo Ao. He couldn't help but think how small the world truly was. Then it hit him—the young man from earlier had mentioned that Luo Ao was the second son of the hotel owner. He'd forgotten about it until now.

"And why shouldn't I be here?" Su Ming shot back coolly.

Luo Ao scoffed. "Do you even know where you are? This is the Royal Dynasty Hotel—a place far above your station."

His words carried an undercurrent of lingering resentment. If it weren't for Su Ming, Luo Ao wouldn't be stuck here managing logistics; he'd likely be enjoying himself elsewhere.

"Why shouldn't I come here?" Su Ming repeated, his tone calm but sharp.

Luo Ao hesitated briefly. "Fine, maybe someone like you could afford to walk in here casually. But today, this place isn't open to anyone. You should leave. And trust me—I haven't forgotten about our little encounter earlier."

As he spoke, a dangerous glint flashed in Luo Ao's eyes.

"What if I told you," Su Ming replied with a faint smirk, "that I was invited here tonight?"

Luo Ao burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "Oh, stop joking! Invited? By whom? Do you have any idea who booked this place tonight? The Chen Group! They're hosting their most important guest of the year. Who do you think you are? Take a good look in the mirror before spouting nonsense!"

But as Luo Ao mocked him, Su Ming remained eerily composed. Sensing something amiss, Luo Ao faltered. Could it be possible? Was Su Ming actually the honored guest?

No, that couldn't be right. In Modu's elite circles, Su Ming was virtually unknown. The only families worthy of such treatment were the Wangs and the Nings—and neither had shown up yet. Clearly, Su Ming was bluffing.

Having convinced himself, Luo Ao barked, "Enough with the lies! I already know who the Chens are expecting. Get lost, or I'll settle both old scores and new ones right here."

Su Ming's expression darkened. "You might regret saying that."

Even though Su Ming kept his composure, his irritation was evident. The Chen family had extended an invitation—but instead of sending someone familiar to greet him, they allowed this arrogant heir to insult him openly. It infuriated him.

"Regret? Me? Not a chance," Luo Ao retorted dismissively.

Without another word, Su Ming turned to leave. Just then, Ning Cangyun and his entourage approached. Luo Ao brightened instantly, eager to greet them. But as he moved forward, a figure rushed past him, nearly knocking him aside. Realizing it was Chen Bufu, Luo Ao clamped his mouth shut.

"Master Su!" Ning Cangyun exclaimed upon spotting Su Ming. He stopped abruptly and bowed slightly in respect.

Su Ming paused mid-step, nodding curtly in acknowledgment.

Chen Bufu hurried over, visibly flustered. "Master Su! Welcome, welcome! Please, follow me!"

"From the Chen family?" Su Ming asked, his tone laced with barely concealed irritation.

"Yes, Master Su. My name is Chen Bufu," he stammered nervously.

"I'm not in the mood," Su Ming replied coldly. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving everyone stunned.

Watching him go, Luo Ao felt a wave of dread wash over him. One thought echoed in his mind: "I'm done for."